THE symptoms of diabetes can be difficult to spot. One needs to know what to look for to help prevent this condition and diagnose it early to avoid complications. In Type 1 diabetes these symptoms occur quickly as the body stops producing insulin.
In Type 2 the symptoms appear gradually, even over several years, as the body slowly produces less insulin, or your body is unable to use the insulin that is produced. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treated, the more effectively the complications of uncontrolled high blood glucose (sugar) will be delayed or avoided.
Symptoms:
Many people are unaware of the various symptoms of diabetes. If you have two or more of these symptoms you may have high blood sugar levels, so consult your doctor or clinic.
. Extreme thirst and dry mouth as your body is trying to wash out the extra sugar in your blood and this makes your kidneys produce more urine.
. Frequent urination and finding that you need go to the toilet often, day and night
. Blurred vision as high blood sugar causes the lens in your eyes to swell and be unable to focus properly.
. Fatigue or lack of energy as blood containing a lot of sugar moves slower than normal blood, and the organs and cells do not get enough oxygen.
. Hungry no matter how much you eat, as your body cells are starving because there is not enough insulin to convert the sugar into energy.
. Slow healing wounds as high blood sugar interferes with the immune system.
. Tingling or numbness in hands and feet is caused by poor circulation due to too much sugar in the blood.
Risk factors:
There are a variety of factors that could result in you being more at risk of developing diabetes.
. It could be hereditary, so if you have a family member who has diabetes, even a great-grandparent, you stand a chance of also developing diabetes.
. Age: Type 1 any age but usually children. Type 2 frequently 35 or over, but also found in youngsters due to a sedentary lifestyle and incorrect eating habits;
. If you have hypertension (high blood pressure);
. If you have unhealthy eating habits, are overweight (especially around your tummy);
. If you lack regular exercise;
. If you were a large baby at birth, weighing more than four kilograms;
. If you are a lady who developed diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes);
. People from black African, African Caribbean and South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi) backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes does not mean the end of a normal lifestyle. Knowing how to manage it will keep you healthy. Contact 082 579 6059 for more details.
– Issued by Martin Prinsloo,
National Chairman, Diabetes SA
